Chapman Family, MIMA, 21 June 2012

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The billing of this gig is by far the hottest of 2012.

For a starter, it took place in a great venue, Middlesbrough's hidden gem known as MIMA where you can enjoy not only sounds but sights of cutting edge artwork, a roof terrace the size of a small town and a giant bottle of steel on arrival. Then, there was the inspirational artwork with a beautiful backdrop masterpiece created by the North East's very own pop-artist, Stella Vine - talented painter of lost souls,who twists the fabric of modern society to paint startling images, tearing up the celebrity fuelled world which we exist in. Finally, and crucially for a gig, there was the act themselves, the Chapman Family. One of the most exciting bands that is out there today, the Chapman Family are a frighteningly talented band that play with such ferocity and belief you can't help but think they are the nations best kept secret.

Set of the year.
One thing is very clear from the outset, all of the above have been bought here for a reason - this is an event, an unmissable occasion which will stay with everyone present forever. Going through the door is like entering the dark mind of frontman Kingsley Chapman, there's a discarded union flag in the corner, a record player slowly turning the Doors at a haunting pace and the glitz you'd find at an underworld carnival, fairy lights,  comfy chair and lots of chocolates. In the midst of it all, the frontman is suffocating himself with a collection of supermarket bags. This is just the beginning.

You won't see this kind of dedication on X Factor.
When the band set up and start playing, it's brilliantly delivered - it's in the ferocious guitar playing, the pounding drums, the snarl of the vocals. As proven with the current EP, Cruel Britannia, the Chapman Family are the glass ball that is held up to society, they see the faults with the world and they do something about it. From the barbed 'This English Life' to the stunning 'Summer Song', plus some debut album highlights, the Chapman Family deserve to be everywhere, for everyone to stop and take notice of what's really going on - under the gloss of the machine, and the celebrity trash that fills the TV screens, this island is marching slowly to it's death. Brilliant, inspiring, loud stuff from the Chapman Family, the North East has a band that they can be proud of.

Chapman Family, believe in them, follow them, see them, take them to your hearts, your stereo, your grave.

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